Walking carefully down the wooden stairs, I pad into the kitchen and go straight for the Keurig. Emmett prepared for my arrival by stocking up on stupid decaf, but at least, he got hazelnut. I pop a pod in and grab a mug before waiting impatiently for it to fill. It's only five in the morning, but I couldn't sleep anymore. I'd still kill for some caffeine though.
I keep looking at Edward's message.
Why haven't I canceled coffee yet?
Why hasn't he?
Maybe he assumes I've assumed it's off, so I should just text him and get it over with.
My fingers hesitate on the keyboard.
Coffee's off, right?
Is that enough? I erase that.
I try again.
I guess coffee is off, considering I'll be seeing you as a doctor, huh?
Fuck. That doesn't work either.
Maybe I should take the initiative. I erase the message again.
I know we talked about coffee, but considering things, it's probably not the best idea.
Yeah, that works. It takes the possibility of anything more off the table but leaves us both innocent. It's not his fault he's going to be my doctor. And it's not my fault he's the genius Emmett is relying on.
I hit send as my mug is ready, and then pour creamer and sugar into it before taking it out back with me. The house backs up to the woods with a small creek running through the yard, and Emmett's kind of … decked out the back porch. We have a fire pit, Edison bulbs hanging around, which will be nice to sit out with at night, and the most comfortable patio furniture.
I read back over my message to Edward, and my eyes bulge as I see he's replying. Shit, I thought this would be early enough that I wouldn't need to worry about his reply yet.
I suppose you're right. I'm not exactly allowed to have dates with patients, but I will still see you at one. I promise to be a proper gentleman.
Suddenly, I feel a little disappointed that he still doesn't want to have coffee. Like he said, it's definitely against the rules, but for some reason, he made me feel … human—healthy and normal—yesterday. I liked that feeling after everything. My life is officially on hold—possibly over, even—so I kind of wanted a little fling with a lumberjack.
You can't blame a girl, after all.
I slap my phone down, huffing as I take in the forest in front of me. I'm dwelling in my own self pity when Emmett opens the sliding glass door, poking his head out.
"Hey, you okay?" he asks.
I nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just probably went to bed too early. You heading into work already?"
It's not even five-thirty.
He sighs. "Yeah, a consult first, and then my shift starts at seven. Let's meet at the hospital cafe around quarter-til one, okay? The keys to my Jeep are on the hook."
"What, you don't trust me with the Porsche?" I smirk, knowing there's no way he'll ever let me drive that beauty. It took me three tries to pass my driving test, and it's not as if I've had much practice in the last few years.
"Not even almost. Don't be late, okay?"
I nod, promising I won't be late before he closes the door to get ready.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
Next update is planned Monday, but you never know. I might get the itch tomorrow lol. Thank you all for reading!
